Comparing the Effects of Psychodynamic Group Psychotherapy and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Body Image and Emotional Processing in Patients with Colorectal Cancer

Abstract

Background: Emotional processing plays an important role in dealing with stress related to chronic diseases. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of psychodynamic group psychotherapy (PGP) and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on body image and emotional processing in patients with colorectal cancer. Methods: This quasi-experimental research adopted a pre-test/post-test control group design with follow-up. The statistical population included all patients with colorectal cancer visiting Poursina Hakim Health Centers of Isfahan in 2022. The convenience sampling method was employed to select 42 participants who were then assigned to a mindfulness-based stress reduction group (eight 150-minute sessions), a psychodynamic group psychotherapy group (fourteen 120-minute sessions), and a control group as simple random sampling. The control group did not receive psychotherapy intervention during the treatment sessions for the experimental groups and was placed on the waiting list. There were 14 participants in each group. The Multidimensional Body-Self-Relations Questionnaire and Emotional Processing Questionnaire were used for data collection in the pre-test, post-test, and follow-up stages. The repeated measures ANOVA were then used for data analysis in SPSS 26. Results: According to the results, both MBSR and PGP improved body image and emotional processing equally and effectively in patients with colorectal cancer (P < 0.001). The effects of both interventions on body image remained constant among patients over time (P < 0.001). However, only the effect of MBSR on emotional processing remained constant and stable over time. Conclusions: PGP and MBSR are therapeutic methods that may positively affect body image and emotional processing in patients with colorectal cancer. Improving body image and emotional processing may lead to improved mental health and adaptability.